5 replies to this topic

[SouthernStarGazing]

I’m in the market for a new mount, preferably a strain wave. I have the cem25p currently but due to the way the mount sits I have to mount my carbon star newt with the imaging train on top instead of at the bottom, this makes it significantly more difficult to balance. My budget is about $1800 but I have a little wiggle room. I’ve found a pretty good deal on an AM3. In total my entire set up weighs about 15-16lbs. Should I hold out for a higher capacity mount or would the AM3 be a good option. I’m open to any suggestions. TIA!!

[72Nova]

The AM3 should be fine with your 6” CarbonStar Newt.  I have an AM5 and love using it with the CarbonStar Newt (camera on top) since balance isn’t critical.    If you want to get a heavier scope in the future the AM5 or equivalent is probably a better choice, but more expensive.

Edited by 72Nova, 13 May 2025 - 05:46 PM.

[archiebald]

I’m in the market for a new mount, preferably a strain wave. I have the cem25p currently but due to the way the mount sits I have to mount my carbon star newt with the imaging train on top instead of at the bottom, this makes it significantly more difficult to balance. My budget is about $1800 but I have a little wiggle room. I’ve found a pretty good deal on an AM3. In total my entire set up weighs about 15-16lbs. Should I hold out for a higher capacity mount or would the AM3 be a good option. I’m open to any suggestions. TIA!!

Also take a close look at the Skywatcher Wave100i or if you can stretch to it the 150i. Each have several advantages over the ZWO offerings. There's a long running thread on them here https://www.cloudyni...50i-discussion/

 

I'd suggest skipping the first 30 to 40 pages and get to the part where people are actually using them.

[SouthernStarGazing]

The AM3 should be fine with your 6” CarbonStar Newt. I have an AM5 and love using it with the CarbonStar Newt (camera on top) since balance isn’t critical. If you want to get a heavier scope in the future the AM5 or equivalent is probably a better choice, but more expensive.

I really want to spring for the am3 but the 17lb limit without cw makes me worry that my tracking won’t be very good

[archiebald]

I really want to spring for the am3 but the 17lb limit without cw makes me worry that my tracking won’t be very good

That's one of the reasons I mentioned the Skywatcher Wave 100i

 

22-pound (10kg) payload capacity without optional counterweight
33-pound (15kg) payload capacity with optional counterweight

 

It is a little more expensive but you are getting the extra capacity - "cry once, buy once"

 

Also, bear in mind that when people say SWG mounts don't need balancing - it's true but..... you still need to take care that the whole thing is not going to topple over.  Most people will use a bag of rocks or other gear in a tripod hammock.

[Sacred Heart]

I really want to spring for the am3 but the 17lb limit without cw makes me worry that my tracking won’t be very good

SouthernStarGazing,

 

Sometimes strainwave mounts need the CW shaft and CW to aid in slewing and tracking. Point at hand,  I have a friend who has an AM5 on the carbon fiber tripod, two 8" pier extensions, SVX130T, 2600MC, filter wheel and OAG, approaching 30 pounds on a 33 pound before CW mount.  Watching him use NINA to flip the scope, it flips but cannot plate solve on the other side. We try another flip, this time we are outside watching the scope. As the mount begins to flip it shudders a little, when finished flipping it cannot plate solve.  I told him to put the CW shaft on and the 11 pound CW. After the CW was on, no more problems flipping.  As for tracking / guiding,  .4 to .7 at 910mm focal length.

 

Now his tripod is anchored to the ground using a turnbuckle at each leg.  Me, using a strainwave mount, weigh it down / tie it down to the ground.

 

The AM5 or similar mount would be better, not many complain about being over mounted, but don't be surprised if you need the CW.

 

My opinion, the trick to good guiding with a guide scope is a rock solid mounting of the guide scope / camera. As well as good focus, and that is good focus no matter if using a guide scope or OAG.

 

Joe